[Skybo]

This is the first I've heard of "gradual" sinkhole insurance. To my knowledge, there are two distinctions when it comes to sinkholes. First is catastrophic ground collapse insurance. By Florida law, insurance companies have to offer that coverage. To meet the requirements of "catastrophic ground collapse" the house has to be declared uninhabitable or condemned. The other is sinkhole insurance. That could include anything from from a giant sinkhole in your yard (that doesn't affect the structure of your home, but may cost thousands to repair) to major cracks in your drywall or foundation.

Some, but not all, insurance agencies offer sinkhole coverage. Of the insurance agencies that do offer sinkhole coverage, most only offer it to new homes. I've heard there are companies who offer sinkhole coverage for resales, but I don't have personal knowledge of that. The deductibles range from 10-20% of the home's value down to a flat $500 deductible.

The builder's warranty does not include protection against sinkholes.

[Skybo]

Originally Posted by pbkmaine

Won't the new home have sinkhole coverage from the Developer for a number of years?

PBK, A Builder's Warranty does not cover "acts of nature". A sinkhole is considered unpredictable, as are lightning strikes, tornados, etc. A Builder's Warranty in TV, just like everywhere else in the country, covers structural integrity of the home, workmanship, and supplies (such as shingles, drywall, flooring), etc. it does not protect you from Mother Nature. And in central Florida, sinkholes are a risk that you take.

[elizabeth52]

Originally Posted by CathyandSteveG

I just found out today that the house we are seriously thinking about buying next week has a disclosure statement on it. It is one of four houses at an intersection that had a depression in it. I was told the depression was pumped full of concrete and there should be no issue. So i called about insuring this home. We can get catastrophic sink hole insurance but we cannot get gradual sink hole insurance.

Should i turn tail and run now?

If it were me, I would. Why start out with a new home that already has a known issue. I would think that it would also affect the resale value given that the disclosure
will always be part of any sale of the home.

[cmj1210]

Originally Posted by CathyandSteveG

I just found out today that the house we are seriously thinking about buying next week has a disclosure statement on it. It is one of four houses at an intersection that had a depression in it. I was told the depression was pumped full of concrete and there should be no issue. So i called about insuring this home. We can get catastrophic sink hole insurance but we cannot get gradual sink hole insurance.

Should i turn tail and run now?

Cathy you can ask your agent for an Engineers report. We were in the same situation last year but we opted not to purchase the home. I sleep better at night knowing there are no issues. We also felt that if we ever decided to sell this may be an issue as you would also have to give full disclosure to the potential buyers. Good luck on whatever you decide. Only you know what's best for you.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by CathyandSteveG

sorry i guess i did not make that clear....the rate i pay for the insurance on my present home in Missouri is 4 times higher than the price i was quoted today for insurance on the home in TV near the depression.

It is difficult to compare apples with apples in different geographical locations. I moved down from the Minneapolis. I had substantially more house in MN and my cost for insurance (Homeowners is much higher here) with the same insurer in both places????????????????

[CathyandSteveG]

I think we have decided to pass on this particular house...it breaks mt heart...it was exactly what i want....

when this process started i vowed that i would "listen" and not be emotional....and would be logical and i was open to the "right" time.

this was a red flag.....i cannot wish it away....i can choose to "listen" like i said i would...
So my honey and i talked and talked....and i think we pass.

Ms. Gracie was right when she said to me...there will always be other houses in TV.

thank you all for your input help and suggestions.

[cmj1210]

Originally Posted by CathyandSteveG

I think we have decided to pass on this particular house...it breaks mt heart...it was exactly what i want....

when this process started i vowed that i would "listen" and not be emotional....and would be logical and i was open to the "right" time.

this was a red flag.....i cannot wish it away....i can choose to "listen" like i said i would...
So my honey and i talked and talked....and i think we pass.

Ms. Gracie was right when she said to me...there will always be other houses in TV.

thank you all for your input help and suggestions.

Cathy best of luck you will find the perfect house for you.

[rjm1cc]

Originally Posted by CathyandSteveG

I just found out today that the house we are seriously thinking about buying next week has a disclosure statement on it. It is one of four houses at an intersection that had a depression in it. I was told the depression was pumped full of concrete and there should be no issue. So i called about insuring this home. We can get catastrophic sink hole insurance but we cannot get gradual sink hole insurance.

Should i turn tail and run now?

If this is a new house from the builder I would not buy it. I was thinking this was a resale in my last post.